Overview:
Palau’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a whooping cough case in Koror. Health officials say an investigation is underway — but you don’t have to wait to act. Here’s what the disease looks like, who is most at risk and what steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your family.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (June 29, 2026) — Health officials have confirmed a case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in Palau, prompting an investigation and renewed calls for residents to check their vaccination status.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services announced the case involves a 54-year-old man who had completed childhood vaccinations and had not traveled recently. Officials said an epidemiological investigation is underway, along with contact tracing efforts to identify the source of exposure and anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. It can begin with symptoms resembling a common cold — a runny nose, mild fever and cough — before progressing to severe coughing fits that may trigger vomiting, make breathing difficult or produce a high-pitched “whooping” sound when the patient gasps for air.
The illness can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant individuals and people with underlying health conditions, health officials said. Babies younger than 6 months old face the highest risk because they are too young to be fully vaccinated.
Recognizing the Stages
Pertussis typically develops in three stages.
In the first stage, symptoms closely mimic those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever. At this stage, the disease is most contagious, often before most people realize something is seriously wrong.
In the second stage, coughing worsens significantly. Violent, rapid-fire coughing fits can leave a person gasping for breath, vomiting or making the signature whooping sound as air is drawn back into the lungs. These fits can be exhausting and frightening, particularly in young children.
During recovery stage, the coughing gradually eases, but symptoms can flare up again if the person develops another respiratory illness.
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against whooping cough. The MHHS urged the public to stay current on vaccinations, practice good respiratory hygiene, wash hands frequently and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms. People with a persistent or worsening cough, particularly coughing fits, were advised to seek medical care early.
MHHS said the illness can be especially serious for infants, pregnant individuals and people with underlying health conditions.
“Early evaluation and treatment can help reduce symptoms and limit further spread in the community,” the ministry said.
For more information about pertussis, contact the Communicable Disease Unit Clinic at 488-2450 during regular business hours or 775-2822 after hours. To request vaccination records, contact the Immunization Program at 488-7252.
